MISHAWAKA, Ind.. – Congressman Joe Donnelly (D-Ind) visited the AM General HMMWV Assembly Plant on January 24 to recognize the importance of the Humvee and to announce funding for two defense projects in the Second Congressional District that he and other members of Indiana’s delegation secured through the congressional appropriations process.

“I am proud that Congress recognized the importance of the Humvee to the security and effectiveness of our military,” said Congressman Donnelly. “This continued strong support for the Humvee demonstrates that this vehicle – the pride of Mishawaka – is essential to our military and will continue to play a vital role in years to come.”

Besides discussing appropriations, Donnelly announced financial approval for two initiatives based in northern Indiana. Defense CS of Mishawaka is developing anti-ballistic windshield armor that can be added to Humvees. The University of Notre Dame received funds for its ongoing effort by engineers to research and develop new vehicle armor design and manufacturing methods to maximize personnel protection.

Donnelly complimented the plant workers and management for building “the best product in the USA.”

The congressman recently returned from Iraq where he visited with members of the Indiana National Guard serving there. “They asked that I send a message back to you thanking you for building such an awesome vehicle,” Donnelly said.